2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Melvin Ingram, DL/OLB, South Carolina

February 6, 2012 @ 13:13:42

By Cory J. Bonini
Edited by Keith Hernandez

South Carolina senior linebacker Melvin Ingram is an intriguing prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft. His versatility should endear him to NFL franchises playing either 3-4 or 4-3 base alignments, as he is able to play with a hand in the dirt or as a hybrid rush linebacker.

Ingram racked up 18.0 sacks over the past two seasons and should translate well in this department as a pro. 

Versatility will take him far

Strengths

• Strong upper body and hands
• Very versatile - can play 4-3 defensive tackle, defensive end and outside rush linebacker
• His height (6-foot-1 7/8) and stout build (278 pounds) allows him to play with a lot of leverage
• Athletic for his size - quick feet and can spin his way out of a block
• Has a respectable catalogue of pass-rushing moves
• Excellent stack-and-shed defender
• Disengages blocks well
• High-intensity player with a good motor
• Quality closing speed
• Experience dropping into coverage
• Upside, with the right coaching

Weaknesses

• Too often looks to make the big hit instead of wrapping up
• Inconsistent initial rush
• Wasn't a full-time starter at the collegiate level
• Has trouble hanging with running backs in the flats - needs to refine his technique
• Suffered a broken foot in 2008 and a fractured hand in 2010 (didn't miss any time with the hand injury)
• Was involved in a 2008 fight on campus but wasn't charged
• Slow to locate the ball against the run
• Tends to lose his anchor and is often turned around by stronger blockers

Expected draft placement

Ingram has the tools and versatility to be a midrange first-round pick in April. Teams that could be most interested in him include the New York Jets (No. 16), San Diego Chargers (No. 18) and Tennessee Titans (No. 20). 

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Cory J. Bonini

Cory J. Bonini is a senior editor at KFFL. In late 2002, Bonini joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst. He vaulted himself into one of the industry's leading fantasy analysts.

Bonini has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, he has been featured in print, on the radio and is also a published writer on scores of sites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.

Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors.

Follow him on Twitter @CoryKFFL

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